CVE-2024-50697 in WiNet
Summary
by MITRE • 01/25/2025
In SunGrow WiNet-SV200.001.00.P027 and earlier versions, when decrypting MQTT messages, the code that parses specific TLV fields does not have sufficient bounds checks. This may result in a stack-based buffer overflow.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-50697 affects SunGrow WiNet-SV200.001.00.P027 and earlier firmware versions, representing a critical security flaw in the wireless network communication system designed for solar energy monitoring and control. This issue manifests within the MQTT message processing functionality where the device receives and interprets telemetry data from solar panels and related equipment. The affected system operates as part of the broader smart grid infrastructure, enabling remote monitoring and management of distributed energy resources through secure communication protocols. The vulnerability specifically targets the message parsing mechanism that handles Type-Length-Value formatted data structures, which are commonly used in industrial communication protocols to encode variable-length information fields.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate bounds checking during the parsing of TLV fields within decrypted MQTT messages, creating a stack-based buffer overflow condition that can be exploited by remote attackers. When the system processes incoming MQTT packets containing maliciously crafted TLV data, the insufficient validation allows an attacker to write beyond the allocated buffer boundaries in the device's memory stack. This memory corruption can result in arbitrary code execution, system instability, or complete device compromise. The vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking, and represents a classic example of a buffer overflow vulnerability that can be leveraged for privilege escalation and persistent access to the affected system. The attack vector is remote and does not require physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous in operational technology environments where these devices are deployed in distributed solar installations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device compromise, as it affects the integrity and availability of critical energy monitoring infrastructure. Solar installations relying on affected WiNet-SV200 devices could experience unauthorized access to real-time energy production data, potentially enabling attackers to manipulate monitoring systems or disrupt energy generation reporting. The compromised devices may also serve as entry points for broader network infiltration, especially in industrial control systems where these monitoring devices communicate with central management platforms. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to denial of service conditions where legitimate monitoring functions are disrupted, or more severe scenarios where attackers gain persistent access to the energy infrastructure for extended periods. This represents a significant concern for critical infrastructure protection, as the affected devices are commonly deployed in grid-connected solar installations where system reliability and security are paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-50697 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from SunGrow to address the bounds checking deficiencies in the MQTT message parsing code. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks, while also deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for anomalous MQTT traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected devices within their operational environments and establish monitoring protocols for detecting potential exploitation activities. The implementation of secure communication practices including MQTT authentication and encryption should be enforced to minimize the attack surface, while regular security audits of industrial control systems should be performed to identify similar vulnerabilities in other networked devices. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing network access control lists and firewall rules to restrict communication to only authorized MQTT brokers and prevent unauthorized access to the affected systems.